HoUinger Corp. 
pH8.5 






LOVE AND DUTY. 



A MELODRAMA of the MEXICAN WAR. 



IIV FOXTR ^CTN. 



By colonel PRENTISS I N G R A. H A M 

AND 

TOM W. KING. 









saratoga springs, n. y. 

Mingay's Star Steam Book and Job Print. 

1885. 






TMP96-4}C653i 



J 



SCENES. 

ACT L A Parlor in Colonel Delafield's New York home. 

ACT n. Scene 1st. A forest set in 2. Scene 2d. A Mexican camp. 

ACT III. Scene 1st. A forest set in 2. Scene 2d. Interior of 
Mexicaa Hacienda. 

ACT IV. An American camp. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 

Colonel Dobsey Delapteld, of the U. S. Army. 

Captain Leon Valtente, of the Mexican Army. 

Antonio Dallas. An adventurer. 

O'Mallet O'Gobman O'Toole, Colonel Delafield's Irish servant. 

Captain Spencer Dunn. U. S. Army. 

Lieutenant Ealph Hebbebt. U. S. Army. 

Sebgeant Mahone. U. S. Army. 

CoBPOEAL Otto. U. S. Army. 

Baeton. a Courier. 

Lois Delafiell, the Colonel's daughter. 

Tizi DeSmtthe. a maid of the Times. 

Gbace Mobtimee. a friend of Lois. 

Veedine Pachucha. a Mexican Gypsy. 

Soldiers, Guerillas, Vivandieres. 



COSTUMES. 

Coii. Delafield. 1st Act, Undress uniform ; 3d Act, same ; 4th Act, 
full dress uniform. 

Vaxiente. 1st Act, walking suit ; 2d Act, Mexican Major ; 3d Act, 
same, with American cap and cloak ; 4th Act, Mexican Major. 

DAiiLAs. 1st Act, walking suit ; 2d and 4th Acts, Guerilla Chief. 

O'Mallet. 1st Act, Livery, afterwards semi-military. 

Officers and non-commissioned officers in uniform, Coueieb, riding 
dress. 

Miss Delafield. 1st Act, carriage dress ; 3d Act, summer costume ; 
4th Act, Riding habit, hair flowing, whip in hand. 

Miss Moetimer. 1st Act, Parlor toilette ; 3d Act, neglige summer cos- 
tume ; 4th Act, walking suit. 

Tizi. 1st Act, pretty maid's attire, French cap, etc. ; 3d Act, out-door 
dress ; 4th Act, same as 3d with hat on. 

Vkbdine. 2d Act, Scene 1st, handsome Gypsey costume ; scene 2d, 
Old Gypsey Queen ; 4th Act, old Gypsey costume. 



■rifea^S^^ 



PROPERTIES. 

Ist Act, Colonel's cloak and cap for O'Malley ; piano cover for piano ; 
needle and thread and duster for Tizi ; gold piece for Dallas ; letters and 
papers ; large envelope with seal, for O'Malley. 

2d Act, bridles, saddles, ropes, cards, blankets, pot and gypsey sticks 
for Mexican camp ; small keg or canteens, tray to swing on shoulders, 
drum and sticks, tea and cakes, Mexican flag, for Vivandieres ; knives for 
Mexicans ; wand for Verdine ; map for Dallas ; gold for Valiente. 

Act 3, scene 1, American cloak, cap and leggins for Valiextp. Scene 2, 
paper, pens, ink, guitar. 

Act 4, Bottle for O'Malley ; two official envelopes for Coukiee ; riding 
whip and official envelope for Lois ; rope for tying Valiente's hands ; flag 
with halliards, sword for Valiente ; orders for Herbert ; gold for 
Colonel Delafield. 



ACT I. 

Curtain rises on handsome parlor scene, in home of Colonel Delafield. 
Piano L., sofa R., etc. Tizi discovered in parlor arranging her hair 
before mirror. 

Tizi: — Now O'Malley says that I am a beauty, and I'm not the one to 
contradict him — not I. And it's a fine soldier he'll make if he goes to the 
war and I'll have a chance to sing of him — [Dusting furniture and singing] 
My Laddie Boy is a Soldier, a Soldier, a Soldier, 
My Laddie Boy is a Soldier, a gallant Soldier Boy ! 

(Air: "The Bells go a-ringing for Sairy.") 
Everything is war, war, war, now and there is no peace anywhere. 
Heigh-ho ! I only hope they won't kill my ooley, wooley Tooley. If any- 
thing should happen to him it would break my heart and he knows it, 
he knows it, without one word from me. Ah ! as the folks are away from 
home, methinks I'll sing a song. 

[Seats herself at piano and plays and sings. Air, "Marching through 
Georgia."] 

How my heart would flutter, if he should go to war! 

How my salty tears would flow as they never flowed before ! 

How my darling soldier boy would wade in pools of gore, 

If he should join the army ! 
Oh, my! oh dear, oh me! oh my! oh dear! 
I'd cry! I'd sigh! both night and day I fear! 

And weep, and weep, and weep, and weep, oh, many a briny tear, 
If — he should join the army ! 
Enter O'Malley O'Gobman O'Toole, wearing the Colonel's cap and cape. 
O'M.:— H-h-h-em! 

Tizi:— Gracious! The Colonel ! [Spriugs hurriedly from the piano stool 
and begins dusting vigorously.] 

O'M.: — [Throwing aside cape and cap and holding them in his hand 
and over his arm.] Ha! ha! Tizy, Tizy, I deceived you that time ! 
Tizi:— Oh! it's only you, old shamrock, ever green. 
O'M., — Only me, darlin', an' aint I enough? Luk at me; aint this a 
foine figger of a man ! 
Tizi:— A fine figure for a cigar store! A wooden man, you mean. 
O'M. : — An' would ye be placin' me wid the injun naygurs that shtand 
wid their tummyhawks raised, darin' the sons of ould Tipperary to welt 
'em wid a shillalah ! 

Tizi:— [Coaxingly] O'Malley, are you brave enough to be a soldier? 
O'M. :— [Straightening up] Brave is it ? 
Tizi:— [Mysteriously] Yes, for there's blood on the moon. 
O'M.:— [Looks for moon] Sure, you are after poking fun at me, you 
delutherin' little descendant of Mother Eve! 



*»"<ii nin.ri»« 



Tizi:— Oh no! I'm in earnest about your bravery and wish to ask you if 
yon were hemmed in (dramatically) by towering precipices on both sides 
of you, behind you was a fathomless abyss, in front of you a hundred 
thousand savages, sweeping down to destroy and eat you and your 
command; what would you do? 

O'M. :— Fwat w'ud I do ! Faith, and I'd do as the officers do in time of 
war. 

Tizi : — And what is that, pray ? 

O'M. :— Resign ! 

Tizi:— Resign? 

O'M. :--Yis. That's what officers are for. Whenever there's a war the 
privates have to go— they can't help it; the officers can resign. 

Tizi: — Then we'll have to make you an officer, O'Malley, if we have war 
with Mexico. 

O'M. : — An' maybe ye think I c'udn't drill the byes! Take your broom 
an' come to a carry arms; that's right. Presint arms! Carry arms* 
Charge bag"nets! For-r-r-rwar-r-rd, double-quick, march! Murther, 
there's the bell ! [Bell rings outside at command "March !" O'M runs oflf, 
Tizi chasing him. Exit O'M. 

Tizi: — [As O'M. runs out, hurries to door and listens a moment, and 
then runs back, takes piano cover and pretends to sew.] It is Mr. 
Dallas; now what does he want, coming here so often; I'll just wait a 
minute and get a good look at him and maybe — 
Enter Dallas. 

Tizi:— Oh, excuse me, sir, but I was just going out with this cover to 
mend it when the bell rang. 

Dallas: — No excuses, my pretty girl, none are needed. 

Tizi:— Didn't that stupid Irishman tell you that Miss Lois was out, sir ? 

Dallas:— Yes. but us I wished to see Miss Mortimer I came in and 
O'Malley has gone to tell her I am here. 

Tizi: -Then I will go and see that he delivers your message correctly. 
[Going.] 

Dallas: -One moment, my girl. Do you know American gold when 
you see it ? 

Tizi:— Sometimes, sir. 

Dallas:— [Handing her a gold piece.] Then take this as a keepsake. 

Tizi:— [Curtesy ing] Oh! Thank you, sir. 

Dallas:— Now, for value received, what can you offer me? 

Tizi:— What do you wish to know, sir? 

Dallas: — I see you understand, and I believe that I can depend on you, 
so will be frank. In the first place, how does Capt. Valiente stand in 
this house ? 

Tizi:— He stands head, sir. 

Dallas:— Just as I supposed and I am glad of it, for Valiente is a good 
fellow and deserves success. But what does Miss Lois think of him ? 

Tizi: — I believe that she thinks more of him than of anyone else in the 
world. 

Dallas:— Then she is going to marry him ? 



Tizi:— If he asks her to I think she will. 

Dallas:— He'll do that— never fear; but now about Miss Mortimer? 
Tizi:— I don't like her one bit, and even although she pretends to be 
such a friend of my young lady, I know she's a mean, despisable thing, 
and believe that she is scheming to marry the Colonel. 
Dallas: — Colonel Delafield, you mean. 

Tizi:— Yes, sir, and a grand thing for her it would be too. She's poor, 
he's rich, she's young, he's old, she's nobody, he is too — 
Dallas:— What ! Nobody! 

Tizi:— [Confused.] No, I mean yes, he's somebody, that's what I mean; 
but you are getting me all mixed up. 

Dallas:— Then why don't you warn Miss Lois against her pretended 
friend ? 

Tizi:— She wouldn't listen to a word; would snap my head off in a 
minute and my head is very comfortable where it is. [Working her head 
from side to side, complacently.] 

Dallas:— And a very pretty head it is, too; has anybody succeeded in 
turning it yet? 
Tizi:— No one but myself, sir. 
Dallas:— Not even O'Malley ? 
Tizi:— No, sir, I am in love with only one person in the world. 

Dallas : — And that one is ? 

Tizi :— Myself, sir. [Exit in haste as Grace Moktimee enters.] 

Enter Grace Mortimer. 
Dallas : —Good morning, Miss Mortimer, I hope that I see you in per- 
fect health? 

Grace : — [coldly.] What do you wish with me, Mr. Dallas. 
Dallas :— Still hostile, I see ! 
Grace : — Call it by what name you will, 

Dallas:— Now see here, Miss Grace Mortimer, this antagonistic action 
on your part towards me has gone far enough ; let us bury the hatchet, 
and if we are enemies, let us at least appear as seeming friends. 
Grace : — That can never be. 
Dallas -.—Never is a long time. Miss Grace. 

Grace : - No longer than my feelings towards you are bitter ; what do 
you wish ? Why do you come here, day after day ? What purpose have you 
in view? 

Dallas : — The same that you have. 
Grace : — That I have? [surprised.] 
Dallas : — Yes —marriage. 
Grace :— Marriage ? 

Dallas :- Precisely. I hold the winning hand so can afford to play 
cards on the table— or in other words, I can afford to be open and above 
board with }, ou, and you know why. 

Grace :— I know nothing, sir, of your motives. 

Dalla.s :— You know much more than you pretend. Now, Grace Mor- 
timer, listen : You intend to marry Colonel Delafield — I intend to wed 
his daughter ! 



Gbace : — Lois ? 

Dallas :— Yes, Miss Lois Delafield. 

Grace :— [indignantly.] You would not dare ! 

Dallas : — I dare anything. 

Grace :— But 

Dallas :— But— I am already married, yon will say ; that makes no dif- 
ference — here, for no one knows it but you, and you 

Grace :— I will prevent it. 

Dallas : — You will not raise a finger or utter a word. Miss Mortimer. 

Grace : — Not speak out and disclose you for what you are ! Not save 
the best friend I have on earth from such a fate? Stand idly by and see 
her become the wife of a man whom I know to be a 

Dallas :- Stop !! ! Have you forgotten five years ago? Have you for- 
gotten what / remember ? Have you forgotten that I know where your 
father is now hiding under an assumed name? Do you not remember that 
he now has a sentence hanging over him, and that I have but to open my 
lips and in a very few days he will be a pitiful sight as he steps on the 
gallows and 

Grace :— Oh have mercy ! and for Heaven's sake, say no more. Have 
you no pity, no feeling ! are you the fiend incarnate, disguised in human 
form and exulting in your power to work evil ? Have you not caused 
enough of woe and suffering, and is your thirst for human misery not yet 
satiated, your appetite for crime not yet glutted ! Is there no pity in your 
heart, or do you know what a heart is ? But you have met one as despe- 
rate as yourself, Antoiiio Dallas, and I defy you, and dare you to do your 
worst ! From now to the bitter end it is war, war between us ! war to the 
death ! 

Dallas :— See here, girl, if I have not the various qualities you men- 
tion. I also have not much of one other— patience, and what little I have, 
is fast leaving me, so moderate yourself and calm your anger, or as Me- 
phistopholes is my patron saint, I will send that man, your father, to 
the gallows. Do as I bid you, and I will furnish you with proofs of his 
innocence, proofs that I alone possess, and that I alone am aware of. 
Choose ! 

Grace : - 1 have no other way left and must accept. What are these 
proofs, — if they exist? 

Dallas :— That is not the question now. The question of the present 
is, will you swear to me not to reveal my secret so long as I respect yours, 
and iu return I will be silent regarding you ? 

Grace : — I promise you never to mention the fact of your marriage so 
long as you do not betray my father. 

Dallas : — Then it is a comiDact and we will shake hands on it. 

Grace : We will dispense with that part of the ceremony. 

Dallas : - As you wish, my pretty mother-in-law to be, for I suppose 
that you will now marry the Colonel, knowing that your father's crime is 
a secret here and that I will not tell of it. 

Grace : It is on a par with your other actions that you should imagine 
that I would, with a lie in my heart, if not on my lips, share the name 



10 



and home of that noble man, Colonel Delafield. 

Dallas : — You are suddenly compunctious are you not ? But never 
mind that — act as you wish, provided you do as / wish. 

Geace : — One proviso : Do not attempt anything further as long as 
Major Valiente is here— I believe that Lois is very fond of him, and he of 
her, and I will not allow them to be interrupted in their present dream of 
happiness — when he is gone, then it will be time enough to begin your 
scheming, which will end in — smoke, if I can bring it about, [aside.] 

Dallas :— That I agree to, for Valiente and I are excellent friends, and 
I do not wish him to know that his attentions to Miss Lois are distasteful 
to me. Hike him too much for that. 

Grace : — Say, rather, that you fear him too much ! 

Dallas:— Have it as you wish — I am determined not to quarrel any 
more, [bell rings outside.] But here are more visitors, will you not be 
seated and appear to be friends? 

Grace: — It will be only in appearance that we can ever be friends, An- 
tonio Dallas. [Take seats on the sofa.] 

Enter O'Malley. 

O'M: — [Entering in haste, starts at sight of the two on sofa, covers his 
face with his band] Yes, Miss Lois, they is after being here on the sofa 
as kittenish as two Turkey Doves. Come easy. Miss Lois, and see this 
beautiful tableau. 

Enter Lois. 

Lois: [turning reprovingly to O'M.] O'Malley is it Miss Mortimer and 
Mr. Dallas that you are making fun of ? 

O'M:— Fun is it I'm making, Miss Lois ? Sure but it's themselves that 
18 having the fun. 

Lois: O'Malley, my father has utterly spoiled you. Go, sir, and hold 
the horses for Captain Valiente, that he may not have to await the coach- 
man's coming, [exit O'M.] Well Grace, ma chere, you and Mr. Dallas, 
are indeed deeply interested in each other that you do not observe my 
presence [Grace and Dallas rising quickly and approaching.] 

Dallas: — Ah, Miss Delafield, a thousand pardons, but we were talking 
over old times upon the Rio Grande. 

Lois:— They were pleasant reminiscences, I am sure, Mr. Dallas, to 
judge from the color in Grace's face. 

Grace: — One would think, Lois, from your happy look and flushed face 
that Captain Valiente had breathed sweet words into your willing ears 
daring your drive— did he ? 

Enter Valiente 

Lois: — [turning as Valiente enters,] Captain Valiente is here, ask him, 
Grace. 

Valiente: — What is it that Miss Grace would ask me ? 

Dallas: — Ah, Miss Grace, you fall back under fire ! then as your substi- 
tute, allow me to make the inquiry : The question, Valiente, is. whether 
you made love to Miss Delafield during your drive this afternoon. 

Valiente:- [Stepping across and grasping Lois by the hand, while 
turning to Dallas,] Senor Dallas, as bluntly as you ask the question, so 
frankly will I answer, that not only did I proffer my love to Miss Dela- 



11 



field, but from her received the sweet assurance that I had won her heart 
and, already having her father's consent, I hope before long she will be- 
come my bride. 

Enter O'Mallet and Tizi. [O'M has letters and official documents in 
one hand and newspaper in the other,] Miss Lois ! Miss Lois ! where's 
the Colonel ? 

Lois: — Why, what's the matter O'Malley. 

O'M:— Matter? Look at that and look at these— matter enough. Miss 
Lois, sure its war that's the matter. ! 

Lois:- Oh, O'Malley, what(?o you mean — war, and with whom ? 

O'M: — With who is it, ]Miss Lois ? Divil I care so long as its war. 
Enter Colonel Delafield. 

Col D: — O'Malley, I heard your sweet voice before I entered the house, 
and there will be war right here if you do not get out — give me my mail 
sir — Ah, Dallas, glad to see you— Valiente you are ever welcome — what, 
Tizi here too? Is this a reception, Lois? 

Lois: —It would seem so, father, but Captain Valiente and I returned 
from our drive in the Park, to find Mr. Dallas and Grace enjoying a fete-a- 
tete, and your wild Irishman has just rushed in with more startling news 
about war. and has frightened Tizi half out of her wits. 

CoL. D:— [To O'M.] What is this nonsense, sir? 

O'M: -Nonsense is it? Just he after looking at that paper in your hand. 
Colonel. 

Col. D:— [Reads excitedly.] Ha! War has been declared between the 
United States and Mexico. 

Lois:-- No ! no ! no ! It cannot be true, father, it cannot be true. 

Val: — Senor Colonel, those official looking papers may give you the 
truth. 

Col. D:— [After glancing hastily over papers] Information has just 
been received of the crossing of the Rio Grande by General Taylor, and I 
am ordered to report for duty at once. 

Val: — Then war has surely been declared between your country, Lois, 
and mine. 

CoL. D: — Yes, war has been declared, and my country demands my ser- 
vices at once. 

Val;- And my country calls me ! 

Lois;— ieon ! 

Grace:— You do not mean Captain 

Dallas:— Why, Valiente, you do not intend that any sentimental no- 
tion of duty will induce you to return to Mexico and take up arms against 
the land of your lady love? [sneeringly.] 

Val:— Senor Dallas would you have me a craven in this land, when my 
sword is needed in my own ? 

Lois: - No, no, Leon, do not leave me. 

Val:— What, Lois, a soldier's daughter thus urge a soldier. With duty 
on one hand, and love on the other, which should I obey ? 

Lois:— Dm<t/ Leon, though hearts should break. 

Val: — A brave answer from a brave woman, Lois. 



istB^aaat^ 



ff 



Col. D: — And the answer I expected from my daughter's lips ; but Val- 
iente, when do you go ? 

Val: — At once, Senor Colonel. Although but an hour ago your daughter 
made me happy with the promise to become my wife, — I must now turn 
from this Paradise of love, to plunge into that Inferno of war. 

Lois:— And duty done, Leon, you will return? 

Val: — If Heaven spares my life ! And now farewell, perhaps a last fare- 
well. 

Lois: — Leon ! Leon ! [starts towards him, falls lainting in Colonel's 
arms— Val. starts back, hesitates and turns away with emotion.] 

CURTAIN. 



13 



ACT II. 

Eighteeu months have elapsed since act 1. Scene I. A forest set iu 2. 
Curtain rises upon Verdiue standing on stage, her hands clasped upon 
her forehead. 

VeKDiNE:— [After standiug a moment dejectedly, draws a dagger from 
her bosum, holds it out at arm's length, gazing lovingly at it.] You are 
a friend that will not fail nie when all others fail. Cold, criiel, glittering 
steel that you are. you can be no colder, crueler than the heart of Anto- 
nio Dallas, the man who once won my love, but now holds my undying 
hate. He sought my heart in the bygone. You. bright blade, shall seek 
his, and if not his, my own —ha ! he comes ; I will hide behind yonder 
tree. [Exit L.] 

[Enter Dall,as, unfolding and reading paper.] 

Dall.\s: -Well, I have here the plan of Camp Polk, which my faithful 
spy has brought me— my trusty Gomez has done his work well, and now 
nothing remains biit to make the attack and carry off the fair Lois. A 
lucky thing for me that Col. Delafield decided to occupy the haciendi as 
his headquarters - it simplifies matters very decidedly. He has but a 
few soldiers with him and the camp is a mile away at least. He little 
thinks that where all is apparent security in this sunny land of Mexico, 
there is the most danger to be feared. 

Enter Vekdine. 

[Verdine quietly approaches Dallas and taps him on the shoulder.] 

Dallas: — [Leaping back and laying his hand on his sword.] Ha! 
whom have we here ? You ! 

Verdine:— Yes, Senor Antonio, it is I. 

Dallas: — Where, in the name of a!l the fiends, did you spring from — I 
hoped you were dead. 

Verdine:— Nc doubt— but you see that, on the contrary, I am very 
much alive. 

Dallas:— What are you doing here? 

Verdine: — It is a wife's duty to be at her husband's side, [with sar- 
casm.] 

Dallas:— Hush ! [seizing her wrist and leading her down the stage,] 
Do not use that word again, or 

Vekdine:— No doubt you would be very much pleased to apjjear in the 
joZe of a disconsolate widower— but I object to enacting the part of the 
murdered wife. 

Dallas:— Have a care woman! Once before I have warned you, and 
now I threaten, — let our paths cross again, and it will be fatal to you I 

Verdine: — And, Antonio Dallas, / threaten you ! Do not let your path 
cross mine, or you will rue the day when we first met. The bended twig 
often breaks, and there is a limit to my patience. I have always been 
pliant— but beware of a woman's vengeance, for in the great hereafter you 



14 



will meet no fury equal to mine if you continue to scorn nie ! 

Dallas:— Pshaw, girl, j-ou weary me. 

Verdine:— Have a care that you do not weary me beyond all endurance. 

Dallas :--Enouf,'h ! you know my record ; scan it closely and see if you 
can tind an instance where I have been anything but merciless, and be 
warned in time ! 

Vekdine:— And you — do you not sometimes think of what the future 
may have in store for you ! See ! to me is given the power to read the stars 
and to show forth destinies from the line.s that cross and re-cross the 
human palm. I have read your blood-stained hand ; would you know 
what it says ? 

Dallas:— A fig for your mummeries and gypsy craft. I was a fool to 
marry a gypsy, to ally myself to such a race, even though I wedded its 
Queen. Leave this neighborhood within the hour or (coolly) take the 
consequences, [aside as he walks off,] That wife of mine must be got- 
ten rid of. 

Exit Dallas. 

Verdine:— I will not leave within the hour and I will brave the conse- 
quences. Now to learn what project he has on foot, and, if possible to 
unmask him, fur I shall save some poor unfortunate from suffering. 
Exit Verdine. 
Act II, Scene •2d. Draw off to deep stage; Woodland set, with Tropical 
Drop. Soene of Mexican Guerrilla camp, saddles and bridles hung on trees, 
four Mexicans playing cards on a .s-empe, one braiding lariat, another pol- 
ishing spui's, and others standing about smoking cigariUos. 

Drum heard in distance, enter Vivandiei'es. one with snare drum, four 
others with trays, canteens and cups containing tortillas and afjuardiente. 

[Vivandieres chanting.] Tortillas! Aguardiente! Come one, come all, 
come buy ! [Guerillas crowd around girls and buy.] 
Enter Dallas. 
D.4XLAS. — Here I am ready to strike my blow, and I have orders to 
await the coming of Major Valiente, who will give me later instructions 
regarding my raid. 

But mine is the triumph now, and when I have her father my prisoner, 
the beautiful Luis will consent to become my bride, even though I am a 
Mexican guerilla. 

Valiente has a great deal of povver, but not enough to prevent me from 
carrying out my present project to capture the fair Lois — ha ! there comes 
an old hug of a Gypsey Fortune Teller. [Enter Verdine disguised as an 
old Fortune Teller.] 

Verdine:— Will you not cross my hand with gold, senor, and learn of 
your future ? 

Dallas: -[with anger] Begone woman ! and do not annoy me. I have 
other things to think of than your silly juggling. 

Verdine: — Juggling you call the art oJ one who reads lives by the starsV 
Dallas:— What can you tell me that I am not already familiar with? 
Verdine: — Much that is of importance to you. 
Dallas: — Then take this and read my palm. 



15 



Verdine:— [In a high, chauting voice] I see a fair girl of another land 
who loves one who is not of her race. I see a dark man who would win 
that girl— their paths separate and meet again -here. The girl is 
threatened with danger, bi;t her lover saves her. 

Dallas: -And is this man who would win the girl, my.self ? 
VEBmNE-.- The line of your life ends abruptly after your next meeting 
with the fair givl— you die! 

Dallas:— Fool that I am to listen to such old woman's talk— begone ! 
I say again! and know that Antonio Dallas rules his own destiny and that 
it is not written in the lines of his hand. But yonder comes one who will 
put faith in you; accost him and see what fate has in store for him. He 
is a fool— and fools believe they are ordered by fate- wise men make fate 
subordinate to themselves. [Dallas points to Valiente.] 
Enter Valiente. 
Dallas: -Good afternoon, Major, I expected you here earlier, as I heard 
that you had later orders for me. 

Val. :— Having heard that you intended attacking the Americans, I rode 
over to see whether it is true or not, but I have no orders from Head- 
quarters, but personally ask you not to strike the exposed camp of 
Colonel Delafield, for I hear that his daughter is with him. 

Dallas:— Major Valiente, you have won fame and rank during our war 
against these accused Gringos, and stand high with General Santa Anna 
and the Government; but I am a Guerilla Chief, who is called upon when 
needed for underhand work, and cast aside when the honors are dis- 
tributed. 

So 1 act for myself. Major Valiente, and I tell you now tliat I go on this 
raid for the avowed purpose of striking the headquarters of Colonel Dela- 
field, making him my prisoner and having him shot unless his daughter 
becomes my wife. 

Val. :— By the Eagle of the Aztecs! but you have at last torn off the 
mask I have long suspected you of wearing, Antonio Dallas, and knowing 
your fiendish plot, it is now war to the knife between us. 

Dallas:— When I was in the United States, claiming to be a Texas 
Ranchero, as you will remember. I heard the motto often repeated that all 
is fair in love and war. Now I love Lois Delafield, for her money as much 
as for herself, and, as her father has deliberately taken up his quarters in a 
hacienda a mile Irom his regimental camp as though inviting attack, I 
shall make my raid as I said, and his daughter shall be my wife. 

Val. :— Dog of a Mexican ! do you dare speak thus of the woman who is 
my promised bride? Draw and defend your coward heart. 

[Both draw and cross swords. Verdine springs forward with her staff 
and strikes up blades. Short Tableau. Mexicans draw weapons and 
cluster around.] 

Veedine:— Hold, senor ! would an honored son of the Montezumas 
stain his steel with the blood of a Mexican Guerilla ? Leave that man to 
the hangman! 

Val. :— By the Sun God of Mexico, Gypsey, you are right. I will not 
cross blades with one so low, but defeat his vile plot in another way. 



16 



Dallas:— [To bis men] Back, men ! do I need aid where but one man 
confronts me. To your saddles and strike the trail of j'our Gringo foes. 
[Exit Mexicans.] 
Val. :— Stay, Dallas! you will not dare carry out your fiendish threat. 
Dallas:— Ha! ha! ha! Major Valiente, within the hour I shall be on my 
way to the hacienda, where Colonel Delafield has his quarters, and 
in this game you will find that I hold the trump cards. 

Val. :— You shall not carry out your threat, if I have to eater the Amer- 
ican lines in disguise to warn them. 

Dallas: -That you dare not do, for if discovered, as you certainly will 
be, your fate will be that of a spy. Adios, Major Valiente, the Pet of the 
Lanceros, I will present your regard.^ to the fair Lois. [Exit with a sneer 
as Val. steps forward, his sword again half drawn. ] 

Val. :— No ! no ! let him go, for I go too, be the consequences what they 
may. [Turns to leave stage, when Verdine slips up behind him, touch- 
ing him with wand.] 
Vebdine: — Stay, senor. 

Val. :— Here, my good woman, is gold for you. 

Veedine:— I want not your gold, senor; but as one who reads signs in 
the flying clouds by day, and the stars by night, I warn you not to go, 
but to permit me to take your place. 

Val. :— What ! do you mean that a man .shall shrink from what a 
woman dare face ? You do not know Leon Valiente, my good Gypsy. 

Verdine:— Senor, it is broad daylight, and the star of your destiny is 
not visible; yet I read so clearly in yonder flying clouds the fate that 
awaits you if you dare invade the American lines, that I beseech you, 
aye, by your hope of Heaven, not to venture. 

Val. :— Gypsy Queen, your forebodings of evil really impress me. 
Take this golden onza and tell me what you can of the fate in store forme. 
Verdiue:— Take back your gold, senor, for I touch it not— [Touching 
his hand]— I see a meeting and a parting— a prisoner— an execution— ah! 
senor ! the dust of a grave fills my eyes and I can see no more. Do not 
tempt fate after Pachucha, the Gypsy Queen, has warned you. Beware ! 
Beware ! [Verdine throws her mantle over her head and runs from the 
scene, her hand waving wand in warning.] 

Val. :— Am I to heed the superstitious warnings of a wandering sybil? 
In this case Love and Duty both plead with my manhood, and I will face 
any danger to save Lois Delafield. I swear it — [Drops on one knee and 
raises left hand grasping sword by blade.]— Aye, I swear it by the ashes 
of the Aztecs, by my sword, by this cross, I swear to save her or die in 
the endeavor. 

CURTAIN. 



17 



ACT III. 

Scene 1st. A woodland set iu 2. Not same as in Scene 1st, Act II. 
O'M. : — Here I am all by nij'self alone. I like solitude away from the 
scrimmages of camp life, when I can ponder on my thoughts and the sins 
of other people. Why I came here was because. That's the reason. 
Now for a gum e of solitaire with O'Malley O'Gorman O'Toole, and I'll beat 
yon, ye spalpeen of the old sod. Well, [examines pack of cards] some of 
the leaves of this Mexican Testament is missing, so I cannot play with 
you. General O'Toole. General ! oh the darling ! As I cannot play cards, 
I will meditate. Bad luck to this land of Greasers and other reptiles ! 
Hoo ! there comes Tizi, and, as I was after hearing her make a rendez- 
vous—that's Italian — with Sergeant Mahone, bad luck to him, I'll not 
disturb the meeting by letting them see me. Ah! I'll play monkey and 
climb a tree. 

Exit O'Malley. 
Enter Tizi. 

Tizi:— I was afraid I could not get away from the hacienda, and I'd 
miss my fun, and one needs all the diversion that can be gotten out of 
this land of Greasers [with Irish accent] as O'Malley would say. I do 
wish Mi.ss Lois could be an eye witness of the fun in store for me: but I 
dont wish that O'Malley should know it. There's the trouble of a girl 
having three strings to her bow, or rather three beaux to her string: I 
have to skirmish around so to keep all three in a good humor for Ser- 
geant Mahone [Irish accent on name] is jealous of Corporal Fritz Otto 
[German accent on name] and the Corporal is jealous of O'Malley, and 
O'Miilley is jealous of everybody- oh ! theie comes Sergeant Mahone; 
now to put on the face of a Deacon when passing around the hat. 
[Smootbes her face and looks serious.] 

Enter Mahone. 

Mahone:— [Bowing low several times] The tip top of the morning to 
you. Miss Tizi and the same to myself. 

Tizi:— I hope you are well to-day, Sergeant Mahone V 

Mahone:- Well, is it. Miss Tizi. Well I'm after being as wholesome 
as a man soldiering in this country and in love with your sweet self can 
well be, my darling. 

Tizi: - Shall I prescribe for you. Sergeant Mahone ? 

Mahone: — If it would so please your sweet self. Miss Tizi. 

Tizi: — Get married. 

Mahone: — Faith ! it was just to do that same that I made this appoint- 
ment, my darling, and as there is no time like yesterday, and I may be 
shot the day before. I'll now propose my propositions to you, swatest flower 
that blooms on the waters of Killarney. [Drops on his knees and seizes 
her hand. O'M. in tree shaking Ust, etc.] My Darling — 

Tizi: —Quick ! Sergeant Mahone; there comes some one. 



18 

Mahonk:— I'll murder him. 

Tizi:— No, hide yonder imtil he passes. [Sergeant hastily hides.] It is 
Corporal Otto. [Enter Corporal marching, gun at a right shoulder.] Halt 
who comes there ? 

Otto: — A friend. 

Tizi:- Advance friend and give the countersign ! 

Otto:— [Shouting out] Love and Tizi ! 

Tizi:— Countersign correct. Pass on. 

Utto:— Forward March! Halt! Order arms ! Stack arms! About 
face ! Forward march ! Halt ! 

Tizi :-- Present arms ! 

Otto:— [Presenting his arms] Fall in ! 

Tizi:— [starting back and with dignity] The temptation is great. Cor- 
poreal Otto, but the Tempter is not up to my standard of a lover. 

Otto:— Oh, Tizi, what a loafer I would make if you vas let me be your 

husbands all the times. [Dropping on knees] Tizi, the loveliest flower of 

the Fatherland was — 

Enter Mahone. 

Mahone:— [hastily, dropping upon his knees and seizing Tizi's right 
hand] Tizi, I was alter being just that far when old Sauer Kraut comes 
along, so I says my love first. 

Otto:— I was tell my love first, Tizi, and not old Irish Potato. 

Tizi:- [quickly] See, gentlemen, is not that Mr. O'Malley coming? 
[Both spring to their feet and look in opposite directions, while Tizi 
laughs.] 

Mahone: -^ Where is that red-headed prevaricator? 

Otto: - Where was that Irish Monkey? Let me get my guns ! [gets his 
gun, and O'Malley falls out of tree and scrambles oif. Tizi screams and 
run«, Mahone follows, Otto seizes gun and comes to a carry arms.] 

Otto:— Veil, I was scare them dead. I was go too. Right face! For- 
ward march ! 

Exit Otto 

[Enter Valiente in disguise.] 
Val. : — Well, yonder is the hainenda where Colonel Delafield has his 
quarters. Now to communicate in some way with Lois; but I must be 
cautious, for with this cloak and baton and in the enemy's lines, my neck 
is in the noose— ha ! there comes some one — The Fates favor me, for it is 
the faithtul O'Malley, and he will not betray me. [Seeks shelter] 
Enter O'Malley. 
0'M:-Tizi is gone — oh ! was that the crazy Dutchman. 
Val.: -Ho, O'Malley ! 
O'M. :— Yes. sir 

Val: — [approaching] Do you not remember me, my old friend. 
O'M. : -The saints be betwixt us and harm— it's Captain Valiente, or 
Major I mean, f >r they tell us you have been promoted. Lord save us 
sir, have you took us all prisoners? I surrender. 

Val:- My good O'Malley, I am the one in danger, and but one person 
must know that I am here. 
O'M. :— It's Miss Lois. 



19 

Val:- Yes, and I wish yon to ask her to come here for a moment. This 
may keep you from forgetting it. [Gives him a gold piece. ] 
O'M. :— I'm off to tell her, sir. 

Exit O'Malley. 
Val: -[Discovers guard] Ha! there come soldiers this way, I must 
hide, [Shrinks back into shelter of tree, and sqiiad crosses stage R. to L. ] 
Enter Lois, Valeente approaches. 
Lois: — Oh Leon ! you here? 

Val. : — Yes, Lois, and for your sake, for I have come to warn you of a 
great danger that threatens. 

Lois:— But you do not know what danger you are running; every 
moment is perilous, and if you are captured— I shudder to think of the 
result. 
Val. : — [Indifterently] It can not be very serious. 

Lois: — Serious ! you do not know then that General Taylor has issued 
orders that all Mexicans captured in our lines shall be immediately exe- 
cuted ? 

Val :- A severe and cruel order, Lois; but time is precious and I must 
tell you what brought me here. An impending danger threatens that I 
can not reveal— and can only say this— that more than your life is at 
stake. Promise me that you will not breathe about having seen me to 
any one, not even to your father, or why I came. 
Lois:— I give the pledge willingly, Leon. 

Val. :— Then go your father and urge him to immediately remove from 
the hacienda he now occupies and to take up his quarters inside his regi- 
mental lines; more I can not say. 

Lois: -And I will ask you no more, but will do as you wish. And now 
can not I tell you of my father? 
Val. :— He is well I hope. 

Lois:— Perfectly, and has command of a large troop. How many men 
do you suppose there. are here now? 

Val. :— I do not know and you must not tell me: valuable as such in- 
formation would be, I cannot hear it in honor. And now, Lois, I must 
bid you farewell, Heaven watch over and guard you. 

Lois: — And over you, Leon, and soon, I trust, we will be reunited, for 
my father says that peace will be declared before very long. 

Val. : — And when it is I will hasten to you and then will you give me 
the hand you promised me? 

Lois:— It is yours whenever you claim it. Farewell. 

Exit Lois and Valiente, E. and L. waving farewell. 
Scene 2. Draw off to full stage. Colonel Delafield's Headquarters. 
Interior of a Mexican Hacienda. Table right, four or five wooden chairs, 
door left center. Guitar hanging on wall, papers, pen and ink on table. 
Col. Delaeield alone. 
Col. D. : — Heigh-ho ! I believe that I am getting sentimental since I 
have been in this romantic country — everything is poetry and song and 
there is music in the very air. Much as I love the life of a soldier, I love 
peace better. Ah ! my guitar hanging yonder invites me to a song. [Takes 
guitar from wall and sings: "A Warrior Bold."] 



20 



Enter Grace, alter first verse. 

Geace :— [coming to Col. D.'s side.] You sung that better than I ever 
heard you sing before. 

Col. D. :— I am more in love than I ever was before, and it was because 
I was thinking of you. 

Grace:- Do I inspire you, then? 

Col. D.: — Have I not told you so, over and over again, Grace ? 

Grace:— Yes, but - 

Col. D. : — And you know that my desire is to make your entire life one 
song of joy. 

Grace; — And I will be only too glad to have you as my instructor. 

CoL D. : — Do you know this? [handing music] 

Grace; — '-Meet me by moonlight, alone"? I should, for I have met 
you so often by mooulight alone. 

CoL. D. : — Will you not try it with me? 

Duet, CoL. D. and Grace. 

Col. D. :- Grace, can I tell you the old, old story ? 

Grace: — Should a poor, friendless, homeless girl like me listen to 
words of love Irom you, Colonel? 

CoL. D. : — Y'ou shall not be friendless, nor homeless, for my home is 
your hoiue — but I hear some one coming, will you not go in search of Lois 
and tell her that I would like to see her ? 

Grace:- [going] Certaiuly, sir, and will bring her to you. 
Exit Grace. 

Col D: — Some secret grief is worrying the poor girl and I must en- 
deavor to learn what it is. 

[Enter Capt. Dunn and Lt. Herbert.] 

Col. D:— Good morniug, gentlemen. 

Cai>t. and Lt. [saluting] Good morning, sir. 

Col D:— Be seated, gentlemen. I desire your attention regarding re. 
cent information of the presence of a band of guerillas in the neighbor - 
liood- from whom I received the information I am not at liberty to dis- 
close. 

Capt. Dunn:— And you expect au attack ? 

Col. D:- No( on the main body, they are not in sufficient force for that, 
1 have learned. 

Herbert:— Then you fear that they may move'on the hacienda ? 

CoL. D:— Precisely, and wish to make arrangements to give them a 
warm reception when they come. 

Dunn: — What is their number? 

CoL. D:— Oh, seventy-five or a hundred: perhaps more. 

Herbert:— I think we can handle them, sir ! 

CoL. D:— Y'es, if we are i repared ; you will detail a company from the 
regiment, Captain, to ambush themselves about here and await the at- 
tack. 

Dunn:— Yes, sir. 

Enter O'Malley, (excited.) 
O'M:— A in-isoner, sir. 



21 



Col. D : - a prisoner ? 
O'M:— Yes sir ; a spy, sir. 
Col. D:— a spy ! Bi-ing him in. 
O'M:— Caught iu disguise, sir. 
Col, D: — ]3ring him in. 
O'M: -Captured by me, sir. 
Col D: —Bring him in, I say. 
O'M:— After a territic combat, sir. 

Dunn: -You don't show many signs of the light, O'Malley. 
Hebbert:— Did you kill him ? 

O'M:— (ignoring these remarJis) He'll have to be executed, sir. 
Col. D: — Will you bring your prisoner in ? 
O'M:— Hung, sir? 

CoL. D:— I'll have you hanged if you don't obey. 
O'M: — He'll be here in a jiffey, sir. 
Col. D:— I thought you had him outside ? 

O'M:- 1 have, sir; that is Sergeant Mahone and Corporal Otto are 
bringing him along with a iile of soldiers. 

Dunn:— So that is the way you had a hand to hand combat^in your 
imagination. 

O'M:— And ain't that the best place to have one, sir? 
CoL. D:— Well, you irrepressible Irishman, go and order Sergeant Ma- 
hone to bring his prisoner here. 
O'M:— They are coming now, sir. 

Enter Mahone, Otto and seven soldiers, with Valiente, prisoner. 
CoL D:- [Springing to his feet] Major Valiente ! Heaven have mercy 
upon you ! 

O'M:— It's the Captain ! ochone ! ochone ! 
Ddnn:— (to Col. D. ) Y'^ou know the man, sir? 

Col. D:— Very well ; but you said he was a spy, O'Malley, while I see 
that he is in his uniform. 

Mahone:— But he was wearing these when we captured him inside our 
lines, (shows cap. cape and leggins. ) 

CoL. D:— Inside our lines and in disguise? Major Valiente, what have 
you to say for yourself? 

Val:— Nothing, Col. Delafield. 
Col. D: — But surely you can exjilain? 
Val: -I can explain nothing, sir. 
Col. D: — You know what the fate of a spy is ? 
Val: - I know, and am ready to face the consequences of m}' act. 
O'M: -You'll be hung to-day ! mavourneen ! and tried to-morrow. 
Val:— Colonel Delafield, as an officer and a gentleman, I ask you to at 
least allow me to die a soldier's death, if die I must. 

Col. D: — We will be compelled to sentence you by drum-head court- 
martial, Major Valiente, and it will be the saddest act of my life to ordea 
the execution that must follow. 
U'M: - Ochone ! Ochone ! 
Col. D:- Silence, O'Malley. or I will place you under arrest! Then 



9--> 



Major Valiente, — for I have learned of your deserved promotion for gal- 
lant conduct — you have no excuse to offer? 

Val: None at all, sir. 

Col. D:— Then remove him to the guard-house. 

O'M:— Y«js, sir. 

Enter Lois and Grace, 

Lois: -(Not seeing Valiente) Father I have come to ask you if you will 
not Oh Leon? Leon ! Leon ; you a prisoner, and to my father? 

O'M: — [sadly.] He is a spy, Miss Lois ! and he will be shooted. 

Lois: — Shot ! Father you will not permit this ? 

CoL. D:— Alas, my poor child, he has been taken as a spy, and must 
meet a spy's fate, for my hands are bound and I can do nothing to save 
him. 

Lois: — But he is no spy ! Leon, speak and clear yourself of this accu- 
sation ! 

Geace: — Surely, Captain Valiente, you can offer some excuse. 

O'M. : — Major, Miss Grace; the Captain's a Major. 

Valiente: — I can say nothing, Lois, nothing. Miss Mortimer, I can 
but submit. 

Lois: But, father, I know that he is not what he appears; he came here 
to-, — 

Val: — Lois ! Remember, you are not at liberty to speak. 

Lois: — My lips are sealed, father; but I swear to you that he is no spy. 

Grace : — Colonel Delafield, you will not judge him so harshly. 

Col. D. : — I can do nothing; the rules of war are that an enemy enter- 
ing a camp in disguise is to be treated as a spy, and hanged; but in view 
of his being a gallant officer I will assume the responsibility and allow 
him to die a soldier's death. 

Lois: — Leon, speak; for you are innocent. 

Val:— Lois, I can say nothing that would serve me; I took my life in my 
hands, and must meet the consequences. 

Lois:-. No ! no ! no ! you shall not die like a dog, when I know you are 
not guilty, lor I will save you. 

Col. D.:— My child, what do you mean? Grace, depart please, and 
take Lois with you, that this painful scene may end. 

Lois: — I will go from here, yes; but it will be to save you, Leon. 
O'Malley, my horse; quick ! Captain Dunn, detail a squad of men as my 
escort. 

Col. D. :— But where would you go, Lois ? 

Lois:— To the commander-in-chief. 

Captain Dunn: — Permit me to bear your message to the General, Miss 
Lois, for it is a long and dangerous ride. 

Lois: — No, sir ! I go myself to save him. 

CURTAIN. 



23 



ACT IV. 

Curtain rises on deep stage. Scene of American camp. Sentinels R. 
nnd L. on duty posts, and sentinels pacing R. and L. ; back before drop 
of camp-grouud. 

Enter O'Malley. [To sentinel R.] 

Good morning Mr. Sentinel. Bad hick to you this evening. Are you 
alter having any news? Is it dumb and deaf ye are, that ye can't spake 
to a dacint gentleman from Erin go Bragh ? [Makes a motion to hit sen- 
tinel and walks across to sentinel L.] Good morning this evening to 
you, Mr. Sentinel. Bedad, he's the twin brother of the other Heathen 
over there. Would ye be after having a wee drop of Mexican bitters ? 
[Holds out bottle. Sentinel smiles and stretches forth his hand.] 

Sentinel: — Yes. 

O'M. :— I'm deaf and dumb myself now, ye spalpeen. [Walks to rear 
of stage to third sentinel.] I'm delighted to meet you, Mr. Walk-about. 
Is it the news you can be after giving me this evening ? Begorra, he be- 
longs to the same asylum as the other oues. I'll draw my resolver upon 
him and see if it will make him stand still. [Draws and levels bottle. 
Sentinel brings gun to a charge bayonet, and Malley flies in terror to 
nearly run over Tizi, who enters 1st L. E. crying.] 

Tizi:-Oh, O'Malley ! 

0'M.:-Oh, Tizi! 

Tizi:— Have you heard whether Miss Lois has reached General Scott's 
headquarters or not ? 

O'M. : — Not a syllabub; but Miss Lois is after riding her horse to death 
to bring back the news. 

Tizi.— But it is nearly the hour for the execution, and 

O'M. : — Scoot, Tizi scoot, there come the relief guard, and the soldiers 
don't like me. 

Exit O'Malley, dragging Tizi after him. 

Enter Relief guard R. 3 E, march to L. Sentinel and relieve guard. 
March across stage and relieve R. sentinel, march to rear of stage and take 
third sentinel with them. Exit L. R. Entrance. 

Enter Col. Delafield and Grace. 

Grace:— Oh Colonel, for my sake, for the sake of your daughter, and 
for the sake of poor Valiente, can you not put this execution off until to- 
morrow at sunset, when Lois will have certainly returned from her des- 
perate ride to plead with General Scott? 

Col. D.:— Grace, I feel confident that nothing could be done to save 
poor Valiente, and I cannot longer postpone the time of his execution. 
It is a fearful position for me to be placed in, for that man once saved 
my life as you know and I am confident that he came not into our lines 
as a spy; but military law is merciless and he must suflfer. Hark ! [Bugle 
call off stage] the bugle is sounding for parade, and afterwards, alas ' 



24 



follows the execution. Will you remain and witness the parade, for here 
come my staff? 

Geace:— I will remain near to watch for the coming of Lois. 
[Band heard in distance, and enter compan)', passing for parade. After 
parade, company marches off.] 

Enter Vekdine, glancing about her. 
Verdine:— Ring out bugles, roll merrily drums, for soon your notes 
must change into a dirge. I warned him but he heeded not my warning, 
and I have come to see how well my turns out, for, having warned the 
American Chief ol the coming of one whom I hate, I must be near to 
witness his downfall. Ha ! ha ! ha ! I am here, and ere long I will have 
my revenge. 

Enter Col. D. 
Col. D. :— Ho. my good woman, what do you here in an American 
camp, when you looks show you to be a Mexican? 

Veedine— I am a Gypsy Queen, Senor Chief, one of a wandering, des- 
pised race, and I am here to watch the turn of a card I have played 
against one whom I hate. 

Col. D. :— Your words are ambiguous, good woman, and I do not 
understand them. 

Vebdine:— It was I that sent you the secret warning that a raid by a 
Guerilla Chief, was to be made upon your head qiaarters. 

Col. D. : - Ah ! 1 received your communication, and have prepared 
accordingly, for I never disregard a warning. If your words prove true, 
you .shall not be forgotten. 

Verdine:— Senor Chief, I acted not for gold, I will take no reward, for 
revenge will be my recompense— hark ! [Roll of drums in distance] That 
CoL. D. : — It is the coming of the executive guard with their prisoner — 
walk one side, please, my good woman. [Verdine exits slowly, as Grace, 
U'Malley and Tizi enter and join Col. D. ] Why, Grace, do you mean to 
be a witness of this sad scene ? 

Grace:— Colonel Delafield, were Major Valiente upon his death bed, I 
would not desert him, so why do so now, when it may cheer his brave 
heart to feel that he has friends near and I hope against hope that Lois 
may save him. 

O'M.-— A courier is coming, sir ! see him ! see him ! 
CoL. D. :— Silence, O'Malley ! [Courier enters hastily] Well, 
Courier, what news bring you ! [Courier takes papers from satchel and 
hands them to Colonel, who stamps foot impatiently.] This news is not 
about poor Valiente, as I hoped that it was. 

Courier: — No, Colonel, but I met j"our daughter within one mile of 
General Scott's camp, riding like the wind, having distanced all of her 
escort. 

CoL. D.:— Brave girl ! 
Geace: — Noble Lois. 

O'Malley and 1'izi cheer. 
Col. D.: — [excitedly] When was this my brave fellow ? 
Couriek: — At dawn this morning, sir, and she bade me tell j'ou that she 



zo 



would mount a fresh horse and relurn at once. 

Col D. :— Heaven grant that she has strength to stand the fearful strain. 
[Dead march offstage in distance.] Alas ! she will come too late. 

Enter guard with Valiente, whose arms are tied behind his back; Ser- 
geant Mahone and Corporal Orxo with guard, followed by band playing 
dead march and company with revers3d arms. Company forms in double 
rank at back of stage, guard filing to left and placing Valiente at left of 
.stage, and then wheeling back into position at right, baud playing through 
the dirge. 

Col. D. :— Miijor Valiente, now that the supreme moment has arrived, is 
there aught that you would say? 

Valiente: — Yes, Colonel Delafield, I would have you witness that I die 
as a brave man should, and beg that you will order my hands free from 
these bonds. 

CoL. D. : — Gladly do I grant your request. Aye, and more, you shall 
die sword in hand. Sergeant, free Major Valiente of his bonds and hand 
to him his sword. [Sergeant obeys , taking sword from a soldier.] 

CoL. D. : — [looking at his watch and turning to Capt. Dunn] Capt. 
Dunn, the honr of execution has come. Do your duty, and do it quickly 
and well. 

Capt. Du.sn: — Sergeant Mahone, half-mast the flag. [Sergeant lowers 
flag to half-mast.] Attention platoon! [necessary orders follows.] 
Ready ! Aim ! 

[A shriek off stage, enter Lois, her hands stretched forth, having 
official paper in her hand, riding whip in other. Rushes in front of pla- 
toon, striking np guns.] 

Lois: — Hold ! That man is to be treated as a prisoner of war, for Gen- 
eral Scott so orders ! 

Capt. Dunn: — Recover, arms ! 

Valiente: — [springing forward] You have saved me ! [Lois, half 
fainting, falls into Valiente's arms.] 

Col. D. : — [springing forward] My brave, my noble girl ! Ha! what is 
this? [guard enters with Dallas, wounded.] 

Mahone:— Col. Delafield, this man is Captain Antonio, the Guerilla 
Chief. 

Dallas:— It is false ! You know me, Col. Delafield, as an American 
citizen. 

Col. D. :— I so believed you, sir. 

Grace: — Col. Delafield, that man / know to be a Mexican. 

Dallas: — Your word will go for naught, Grace Mortimer, daughter of 
of a convicted murderer, now a fugitive from justice. 

Veedine: — But my wor-d will stand, Antonio Lopez, and I denounce you 
as the murderer of the man for whom that girl's father was tried and con- 
demned 

Gbac&:— Heaven, I thank thee! 

Dallas: -Witch of Hades, in Satan's name, wbo are you? 

Verdine: — [throwing oft' wig and cloak.] Yunv wife ! 

Dallas:— [starting lack.] Ha! Verdine, yon here to condemn me? 



26 



Yerdine, — Colonel Delafield, that man plotted to carry your daughter 
oflf to make her his wife, while I, his real wife, yet live, and it was to 
save her that I entered your lines in disguise, and not as a spy. 

CoL. D. : — Enough ! Captain Dunn, order that man off, and to-morrow 
at sun-set he dies. 

[Enter Codriee. Colonel reads hastily— as soldiers march off with Dal- 
las. ] Bravo ! for a Treaty of Peace has been signed and the war is ended. 

Cheeks. 

Lois: — Leon, you are free ! 

CoL. D. :— No, not free, for having nobly done your duty as a soldier. 
Love now claims you. 

Band plays Star Spangled Banner. 

CUETAIN. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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IIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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